Juicy Oven Baked Tilapia

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Juicy Oven Baked Tilapia is a simple, healthy, and delicious seafood dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. With a crispy exterior and tender, flaky interior, this dish delivers the perfect balance of flavors without being overly complicated. The tilapia is seasoned with a blend of herbs and baked to perfection, ensuring that it remains juicy and full of flavor. Whether you’re new to cooking fish or a seasoned pro, this recipe is an easy win.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

tilapia fillets olive oil garlic powder onion powder paprika salt black pepper lemon juice fresh parsley (optional for garnish)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.
2. Pat the tilapia fillets dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
3. Drizzle olive oil over both sides of the tilapia fillets and season with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Place the seasoned fillets on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and the edges are golden brown.
6. Remove the fillets from the oven and drizzle with fresh lemon juice.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Baking time: 12-15 minutes
Total time: 17-20 minutes

Variations

• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick of heat.
• Experiment with different herbs like thyme or oregano for a new twist.
• For a citrusy flavor, swap the lemon juice for lime juice.
• Serve the tilapia over a bed of rice, quinoa, or alongside roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover tilapia in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the fillets in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until warmed through. For the best texture, avoid microwaving as it can dry out the fish.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of fish?
Yes, other white fish like cod, haddock, or flounder work well with this recipe.

How do I know when tilapia is fully cooked?
Tilapia is fully cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Can I make this recipe with frozen tilapia?
Yes, but be sure to thaw the tilapia before cooking for the best results.

Can I use non-stick cooking spray instead of olive oil?
Yes, non-stick spray is a good alternative if you want to reduce the amount of oil used.

Can I make this ahead of time?
While the fish is best enjoyed fresh, you can season the tilapia and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.

Conclusion

Juicy Oven Baked Tilapia is a fantastic, fuss-free dish that brings great flavor to your dinner table. With minimal ingredients and a short cooking time, it’s a perfect option for busy evenings when you want something healthy, quick, and tasty. The tender fish paired with a simple seasoning mix offers a satisfying meal that everyone will love. Try it out, and you’ll find yourself making it again and again.

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